Reading, Writing and Making History

Whether we like it or not we are all students of history (family, national, international, sports, music, science, economics, etc.). Our levels though will vary depending on our, desire, interest and aptitude in learning about days gone by.

Some students will keep personal memoirs which may be read by a select few, some will commit events to memory and verbally relate them to their inner circle of friends and family and some more advanced students will write essays or books in areas of interest to them to be shared by a yet larger audience of students.


It is a no brainier that, to write history it is mandatory that one be well read and versed in the discipline of interest to oneself. Conveying history accurately though is a subject of another discussion that is beyond the scope of this article!

Moving on to the topic of "making history", I think most of you will agree that the path towards that end, whether followed deliberately or not, is very intriguing and is worthy of deeper analysis.

Like reading and writing history, making history can take many forms and shapes. It is more likely than not, that out of one's personal experience and passion combined with reading and writing history, that a few will end up in making (either good or bad) history! Written books or current events are replete with examples of those who have attained fame or infamy!

Strange as it may be, disciples of those who have made good or bad history continue to carry banners in writing and in action too that, more than likely, leads to factions, cults, ideologies, resolutions, etc. that ultimately continue to add reasons for world unrest and wars.

I would be remiss if I do not address the role of religion and politics in our world strife! The former is often misinterpreted and misused and the latter often relies on the misinterpretation and misuse aspects for their own personal benefits!

The saga has been with us for ages, and, alas, the saga continues!!!!


Hani Badawi
April 9, 2016

Seeking Solutions: Random and Scattered Thoughts

The act of social or any other form of reform is worthless if accountability is not enforced.

Dedication implies selflessness whereas selflessness doesn't necessarily imply dedication.

Determination requires dedication and vice versa. They are two inseparable partners.

Mankind has not developed at the same pace as technological evolution. Will it ever catch up?

Governments often govern their own interests and not the welfare of the state. Their effectiveness is measured by the economic stability and respect (not fear) of the law and order and NOT by the votes they garnered.


Hani Badawi 

February 28, 2016

Trump or Slump

Many are wondering, many are awe stricken and many are jubilant about Donald Trump's progress so far in this early phase of the Republican Party campaign in preparation for the US 2016 Presidential election.

Although it is too early to draw any conclusions as to who will ultimately be the winner, Republican, Democrat, Male, Female, etc., there is one thing that I can say for sure. Apart from the US I do not know of any other country that offers opportunities for almost anyone to attain their dreams. I say almost because I know you will quickly retort: "Ah, how about influence of money?". Indeed, you would be right in your retort, but, show me the perfect country and I will show you the way to ultimate happiness!!

Hani Badawi

February 14, 2016

Comfort Level, Emotions, Social Barriers and Dreams

Does one's comfort level take precedence over following one's emotions?

Can one's emotions help in overcoming social barriers?

Can social barriers stifle one's dreams?
Can one's emotions pave the path for realizing one's dreams?

As there are no norms to any of the above mentioned criteria, imagine yourself trying to answer any of these questions at different phases of your life.

Perhaps, as is the case with trying to find an answer to a complex dilemma, the answer to any or all of the above is: "It depends"!!!

Hani Badawi

February 15, 2016

If and when

I often think about how a “hope” can be turned into an “achievement” and wonder: what is the necessary catalyst for bringing about that transition?

Over the ages, many ideas have led to great achievements, and it is safe to say that these achievements were fueled by hard work and determination on part of the achievers.

As in a chemical reaction, where a catalyst helps in completing the reaction, one can invoke a similar concept in the human world.

In his famous poem titled “If”, Ruddyard Kippling elegantly weaved the elements needed for harnessing the faculties for “greatness” relying on, as the title implies, the “if” as a catalyst.

As an admirer of art and science, and as a believer in the power of transformation in each, I believe that the word “when” is a better catalyst than “if”.

Think of the impact of Kippling's poem when (and I purposely avoided using if!) you replace the “if” by “when”!

Hani Badawi
October 31, 2014

Thought on Global Unrest and Disorder

The energy that is expended in creating chaos is by far less than the energy needed to reverse or even partially repair that chaos!
I won't bore you with the numerous examples that support thiat thought, but I will leave you with one to ponder over: Have you ever tried to reassemble a toy that a child, with one fell swoop, smashed to smithereens?

Hani Badawi
June 29, 2014

Is the World your Oyster?

If you think that the world is your oyster

Think again 

It may be yours for a day or two

But

Remember that you are only a grain of sand and not even a shell

And

If you are honest and fair

You will turn into a pearl for all to admire

Hani Badawi 

July 3, 2013